While I do not usually fall into the catagory of those who read Andrew Sullivan on a regular basis, I do feel it important to give a show of respect to him for writing the article you will find in the following link.  When an individual gives careful inverstigation to something and then reverses their previous position it is important to recognize that individual and to commend their astuteness and integrity.  Sullivan in his article presents his past and present position on the up coming 2008 presidential candidates.  He has researched and analysed the positions of the candidates.  He once supported McCain and can no longer do so based on the information he has collected.  We provide this article for you to understand the severity of the best selection for president in 2008.

   http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/mccains-integri.html#more

 We hope you gain insight and information to make your own informed decision.

Before a voter casts a ballot for a representative there should be a record of positions, as reference, for every candidate.   The only way the electorate can make an informed decision is to know the political direction the candidate wants to take our country. Accountability for statements made and policy is the only way to maintain our Democratic Republic. There should be no discrimination by gender.  Recently, Sarah Palin, (Governor of Alaska) was selected to run as McCain’s V.P. and there have been murmurings to the effect that asking her tough question to ascertain her positions is “female bashing.”  This is nonsense and indicates a fear for the electorate to become familiar with what she believes in.  Not asking a female candidate to provide her political views and desired direction for our country is chauvinistic, sexist, sexually discriminating, and a negative form of the Affirmative Action program.  It does a disservice to any female candidate not to let her step up to the plate and give her opinions and objectives.  Following are some of the definitions of words which would apply to anyone not willing to ask or be asked the tough questions.  Being a Vice President of the United States is a difficult responsibility.  The person who fills that job must be one who is knowledgeable; and, at a minutes notice be able to fill the office of the President.  Anyone, male or female, who can not handle the scrutiny required to be elected to office should not be running for a political office, let alone one of the highest offices of this country. 

 A chauvinist, n. is a man or woman whose behavior and attitude toward women indicate a belief that they are innately inferior to men.   American Heritage Dictionary

If we do not treat a female candidate the way we would a male candidate then we are presenting an attitude that a woman can not stand up to that which a man can.  This is chauvinistic and indicates that a woman can not handle it; thus it implies that she is innately inferior to a man.

Soon we will be going to the polls to vote not just for President but for Senators, Congressional members,  judges and other local offices.  It is important to know how the person you are going to choose votes on various issues.  You will find under links a place to find out how they vote.  For this post I want to provide a list of the grades given by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.  It is important to know who is supporting our troops when you pull the lever. 

http://www.iava.org/full-ratings-list  

 http://www.iava.org/learn-more 

 Religion and the military   http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/

One of the best speeches given at the Democtatic Convention was given by Congressman Dennis Kucinich.  I have used a line of his speech in the title and added a bit too it.  It is the responsiblity of"all Americans" to choose their destiny.  When we vote we vote for the whole country.  We vote for it's successes, for its failures, for its courts, for its future.  We vote for our children, for each others children and for generations to come Please remember this as you watch the speech given by Congressman Kucinich.

SORRY I WAS OUT LOOKING FOR AN ICEBERG.

Sorry that there has not been a post for a while.   We were out looking for an iceberg.   In some cultures, when an individual did not feel or was not felt of value to the rest of the community, they were separated from the community to wait for death.   Given the youth oriented climate of the current election season I figured I should find an iceberg as I am not of the 18-29 year range.  Sadly, because of global warming, I could not find an iceberg to throw myself upon.  I did see several Polar bears however also looking for an iceberg and struggling miles off shore trying to find a place to rest.  I decided to leave what icebergs were left to the survival of the Polar bears and came back to my reality and the computer.   Since my cell phone got wet searching for an iceberg for my solitary aging existence waiting to meet my maker (forgive me I do not have a Blackberry) I could not receive Obama’s 4am announcement of a running mate.  Do not be over wrought that this happened because I did not register to receive it.  I found it to be offensive, insensitive and lacking awareness.  Why?  I understand the outreach to youth to participate in the election process,( which is extremely important), but I also understand it as an insult to those who do not have cell phones or Blackberries because of lack of finances or technical knowledge.  It seems to me that the way to reach most people would be through good old network TV or radio. The average cable news shows have a few million viewers while network TV news has about 23 to 26 million viewers.   Just buy a few minutes of ad time or have surrogates announce at the same time on the major networks.  This action would include all people and would not leave many out while trying to communicate an important decision.  There is a great emphasis on bloggers and the internet which IS and will continue to be of great importance in the 21^st century. Internet use has merit in that it reaches a large number of people and dispenses a great deal of knowledge and information.  However, there is an arrogance or elitism in thinking that the majority of people of all ages have access to a computer and to the internet.  There are many of all ages who struggle to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, and funds to access to health care.  Believe it or not MANY people can not afford luxuries, which, have no doubt, a cell phone is, while they are working one, two, or three jobs, or if for one reason or another they are unable to work.  To all those out there trying to get the vote out PLEASE, PLEASE understand that we must reach people of all ages and of all financial situations and help them to understand how important voting is and how much the betterment of their life will hopefully be by selecting the candidate who will most benefit our collective society.